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Chamelon Whiptail - Pseudohemiodon apithanos
Chamelon Whiptail - Pseudohemiodon apithanos
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Chameleon Whiptail (Pseudohemiodon apithanos)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Pseudohemiodon apithanos |
| Common Names | Chameleon Whiptail, Chameleon Catfish |
| Family | Loricariidae |
| Country of Origin | Peru |
| Habitat | Slow-moving rivers, sandy riverbeds, leaf litter, and floodplain habitats |
| Max Size | 18–22 cm (7–9 inches) |
| Temperament | Peaceful, shy |
| Aquarium Level | Bottom |
| Minimum Tank Size | 55 gallons (200 liters) |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Temperature | 24–28°C (75–82°F) |
| pH | 6.0–7.5 |
| Hardness | Soft to moderately hard (2–12 dGH) |
| Diet | Sinking carnivore pellets, frozen bloodworms, blackworms, brine shrimp, insect larvae, and occasional algae wafers |
| Behavior | Bottom-dwelling, often buries itself in fine sand, most active during dusk and nighttime |
| Breeding | Rarely bred in captivity; believed to be a mouthbrooding species with paternal care |
| Tankmates | Peaceful tetras, rasboras, Corydoras, dwarf cichlids, hatchetfish, pencilfish, and other non-aggressive community species |
| Care Level | Moderate to Advanced |
The Chameleon Whiptail (Pseudohemiodon apithanos) is a rare and fascinating armored catfish prized for its remarkable camouflage and unusual body shape. Native to the sandy river systems of Peru, this species spends much of its time partially buried in fine sand, blending seamlessly with its surroundings to avoid predators. Unlike many Loricariids, the Chameleon Whiptail is primarily a carnivorous bottom feeder, preferring frozen foods, insect larvae, worms, and quality sinking pellets over algae-based diets. It thrives in mature aquariums with soft sand, gentle to moderate water flow, excellent filtration, and pristine water quality. Peaceful and shy by nature, it is best kept with calm community fish that will not outcompete it for food. With its unique appearance, secretive behavior, and exceptional camouflage abilities, the Chameleon Whiptail is an extraordinary centerpiece for experienced aquarists seeking an uncommon and captivating freshwater species.
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Dead on Arrival (DOA) Policy
In the rare case that your livestock arrives dead, we offer a fair and standard DOA policy.
To qualify for a credit, you must contact us within 2 hours of delivery. Claims made after this period will not be accepted.
When reporting a DOA, please provide a video and three clear photos of the fish in its unopened, sealed bag as originally packaged. Clear images are required for processing your claim.
Once approved, we will issue a credit for the fish (excluding shipping) toward a future purchase. If you wish to receive a replacement, shipping costs must be covered again, or we can hold the credit for a later order.
For any questions, please contact us via our booking form.